IT WAS third time lucky for Swindon Storm as they managed to record their first win of the season with a 40-6 triumph over Jurassic Coast Raptors.

After defeats to Bristol Apache and Cornish Sharks in their first two fixtures, head coach Rich Van Solten took his side to Dorset looking for their first win of the year.

Brent Flippance, Dan Thorne, Iain Eastham, Dan Thorne, EJ Hanneman and Gregg Roscow all crossed the line to guide the visitors to their maiden win of the season.

Flippance was the first to get on the scoresheet as he pulled Storm back to 6-6 after they conceded early on.

But after steadying themselves, it was one-way traffic as Storm dominated the game to come out with a comfortable win.

“It was a very good win. We have been saying since day one that it is always about progression,” said the Storm chief. “Our first game (against Cornish Pirates), it was a bit like rabbits being caught in headlights.

“In the second game (against Bristol Apache) we did very well and at the weekend I just wanted everyone to know that no games are a given for us.

“A lot of people thought we would go into the game and walk it, but the first quarter was actually very even.”

While the first two matches may have proved difficult, Van Solten thinks they built up confidence among his players, which then allowed them to claim victory over the Raptors.

With the win under their belts, the Storm chief now wants to see his side progress even further as a team.

“To be honest after the Apache game a lot of the guys started to believe in themselves after playing well against one of the top teams.

“It did a lot of guys the world of good. I know that a lot of the rookies were worried about playing in the big boys' league.

“I was very impressed and it is something to build on. We said after the game that we are going to make mistakes.

“Everyone is going to make them. Every week we set a benchmark and then we look to set another one the week after.”